Frankie takes in the sunset views down Monroe Street in Riverside’s Green Belt, making the most of the warm, sunny weather we’ve been treated to lately. (Paloma Montes)
Wednesday Gazette: March 26, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday!
Today is National Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, which I want to use as an excuse to thank the 39 new subscribers who chose to become paid members in the last week. That is a 10% jump in our supporting revenue, which is a huge jump for this tiny newsroom. If you, like me, look at the number 39 and think, "Only one more person would make an even 40..." I invite you to make that happen by becoming a supporting member! 🤣
Long-Lost Mission Inn Artifacts Surface at Redlands Auction
Historic collection from Riverside landmark emerges after decades in private hands
A sampling of the personal collection of Frank Miller to be auctioned off. (Ken Crawford)
A collection of historic Mission Inn artifacts will be auctioned off on Saturday, March 29, at Redlands Antique Auction. The sale features items that have been out of public view for decades, including bells, ephemera, and statues connected to Riverside's architectural landmark.
Driving the news: The auction offers a rare opportunity to acquire pieces of Riverside's cultural heritage, with items believed to have left the Mission Inn during Benjamin Swig's ownership period.
The collection has generated significant interest since being listed six weeks ago.
Why it matters: These artifacts provide insights into Mission Inn founder Frank Miller's extensive international collection and the hotel's early development.
Many items may have been part of Miller's original vision for the iconic Riverside hotel.
The big picture: The collection's journey has been long, moving multiple times across the country before spending seven years in storage in San Bernardino.
What's next: Interested bidders and curious onlookers can preview the items Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the auction house.
Staff will be available to answer questions about the provenance and historical significance of specific pieces.
Bottom line: The auction begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 29, at Redlands Antique Auction, with pieces available across various price points.
Exploring Love and Courtship in the Victorian Era at the Heritage House
Heritage House's latest exhibition examines how Victorian-era romance balanced strict social codes with emerging female autonomy.
A tender Victorian moment captured on this undated postcard, part of the Museum of Riverside’s collection and featured in First Comes Love: Courtship in the Victorian Era (Courtesy of the Museum of Riverside)
A new exhibition at Riverside's Heritage House delves into the evolving customs of love and marriage during the Victorian era. "First Comes Love: Courtship in the Victorian Era" showcases artifacts and stories that illuminate the shift from economic necessity to emotional fulfillment in relationships.
Driving the news: The exhibition, running from March 14 to June 29, 2025, examines how courtship practices reflected changing social norms and women's roles in the 19th century.
Visitors can explore handwritten letters, lockets, and a preserved wedding gown among other period artifacts.
Why it matters: The Heritage House itself, built by Catharine Bettner in the late 19th century, serves as a symbol of women's growing autonomy during this period.
Bettner, an Irish immigrant, managed her household independently after her husband's death.
The big picture: The exhibition highlights how public spaces like opera houses and tennis clubs provided new courtship opportunities while maintaining social decorum.
Go deeper: A series of public programs, including curatorial tours and outdoor movie screenings, will complement the exhibition throughout its run.
What's next: All Heritage House tours will include access to the exhibition, allowing visitors to explore items from the Museum of Riverside's collection.
This new Riverside spot serves up lattes with a side of puppy love.
Jess and Tyler are co-owners of Stray Dogs coffee, a new coffee shop on Market. (Ken Crawford)
A unique Downtown coffee shop is serving up more than just lattes. Stray Dogs Coffee, which opened a month ago, donates a portion of its profits to local animal shelters and rescues.
Driving the news: Co-owners Jess and Tyler have created a business model that blends their passion for quality coffee with their commitment to helping homeless animals.
Why it matters: Stray Dogs Coffee offers Riverside residents a way to enjoy specialty beverages while supporting animal welfare in their community.
The shop's menu features creative drinks like the Greyhound Latte and Melona Matcha, along with Japanese-inspired pastries.
The big picture: Stray Dogs enters an increasingly competitive local coffee scene, differentiating itself through its charitable mission and unique offerings.
Where it stands: Located at 3225 Market St, Stray Dogs Coffee provides a convenient option for quality coffee with a conscience, particularly for residents on the park side of Downtown.
From authentic Thai and Korean cuisine to gourmet grilled cheese, these unassuming locations serve up some of the city's most delicious and diverse dining experiences.
Strip mall dining used to carry a negative stigma. However, rising rents, a new generation of excellent chefs, and a general cultural shift toward the casual mean that some of the most creative and high-quality food can be found in a strip mall. These unassuming locations have become culinary destinations where talented chefs can focus on exceptional food without the overhead of prime real estate. Here are the top 10 strip mall dining establishments in Riverside that demonstrate this phenomenon.
Vintage-inspired cycling event welcomes participants of all styles.
2024 Ride participants in vintage-inspired attire stand proudly with their bicycles—including a classic penny-farthing—outside the Riverside Art Museum. (Luke López)
Cyclists will pedal through downtown Riverside on April 5, 2025, for the 4th Annual Downtown Tweed Ride. The free event combines vintage-inspired fashion with a leisurely 5-mile community ride.
Driving the news: The ride celebrates community connection and offers a unique perspective of Riverside's historic Downtown.
Participants are encouraged to wear early 20th-century British cycling attire, though it's not required.
Why it matters: Tweed rides have become popular worldwide since originating in London in 2009, promoting slow-paced cycling and community engagement.
The details: The event starts at 11 a.m. outside the Historic Courthouse and ends at Taco Station with discounted food for participants.
Organizers emphasize that all cyclists are welcome, regardless of attire or bicycle type.
What's next: Registration is strongly recommended and available online.
Raul and Family Farms on Victoria Avenue, along with other local growers, faces financial uncertainty after the USDA announced it's ending two federal programs that helped food banks purchase from small farms.
Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina seeks nominations for District 1’s annual Volunteer of the Year awards.
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